Top 50 Best Latina And Hispanic Actresses Of All Time [2025 Updated]

Lupita Amondi Nyong'o is a distinguished actress who proudly embodies both her Mexican and Kenyan heritage.

Over the course of her acclaimed career, Nyong'o has earned numerous honors, including an Academy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Daytime Emmy Award, and four NAACP Image Awards. Her talent shines in major films such as Us, Black Panther, and the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

In 2013, Nyong'o's remarkable performance in 12 Years a Slave garnered her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Penélope Cruz, with her striking dark brown hair and captivating presence, stands out as one of the most celebrated actresses featured in our list.

Renowned for her versatile performances in both Spanish and Hollywood films, she has showcased her talent across a wide array of genres, winning acclaim worldwide.

Her remarkable career has earned her prestigious accolades, including an Academy Award and a British Academy Film Award.

Beyond these wins, Cruz has received multiple nominations, such as five Screen Actors Guild Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, cementing her legacy as a global icon.

Selena Gomez stands out as one of the most influential and versatile women in the world. A proud third-generation Mexican-American, she has strived to honor her heritage since beginning her journey in the entertainment industry.

Starting as a child actress on the beloved children's show Barney & Friends, Selena quickly captured audiences' hearts. Her breakout role, however, came with her charming portrayal of Alex Russo on the hit Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place.

Expanding her creative reach, Selena went on to form the pop-rock band Selena Gomez & the Scene, consistently releasing chart-topping albums. Throughout her career, she has continued to shine not only as a musician, but also through her starring roles in both television shows and films.

Today, Selena Gomez is recognized as the most-followed woman on Instagram, reflecting her immense popularity and impact in the digital era.

Jennifer Lopez, often known as "J. Lo," is a true multi-talented phenomenon. She has captured global audiences not just as a skilled actress, but also as a chart-topping singer and electrifying dancer.

Lopez became Hollywood's highest-paid Latina actress with standout performances in movies like Anaconda and Out of Sight, cementing her place in the industry.

Today, she remains among the top-earning actresses, captivating fans in hit films such as Parker, Maid in Manhattan, and The Boy Next Door, demonstrating her versatility and enduring appeal.

Rita Moreno, born in Puerto Rico, is a celebrated American actress, dancer, and singer whose remarkable career spans more than 70 years.

She has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, excelling across television, film, and theater.

Throughout her illustrious journey, Moreno has starred in numerous acclaimed productions, including Singin' in the Rain, The King and I, and both the 1961 and 2021 versions of West Side Story.

Zoe Saldaña, a self-described science fiction enthusiast, launched her acting journey with a role on Law & Order in the late 1990s. She made her big screen debut portraying a ballet dancer in the film Center Stage.

Throughout her career, Saldaña has starred in numerous blockbuster films, including The Terminal, Star Trek, Avatar, Death at a Funeral, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Adam Project, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

Her impressive and diverse filmography firmly establishes her as one of the most prominent and influential stars in Hollywood today.

Salma Hayek is widely recognized as one of the most influential Latina and Hispanic actresses in the world today. Known for her talent, charisma, and striking presence, she has left an indelible mark on both American and international cinema.

Hayek's career began in her native Mexico, where she starred in notable television and film projects such as "Teresa" and "El Callejón de Los Milagros." Her early successes laid a strong foundation for her transition to Hollywood.

She captivated global audiences after breaking into the American film industry, quickly establishing herself as a major star. Among her best-known films are "Desperado," "From Dusk Till Dawn," "Wild Wild West," "Dogma," and the "Grown Ups" series.

In 2003, Hayek received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her extraordinary portrayal in the acclaimed film "Frida," further cementing her legacy as a seasoned and accomplished performer.

Many readers may be surprised to learn that the acclaimed film star Cameron Diaz is, in fact, of Latina descent.

The striking actress gained international fame after her debut alongside Jim Carrey in the 1994 hit film 'The Mask.' She was also named one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" in the world by People Magazine.

In 2013, Diaz was recognized as the highest-paid actress over 40, and throughout her career, she has earned four Golden Globe nominations, three Screen Actors Guild nominations, and a BAFTA Award nomination.

America Ferrera, renowned for her expressive performances, stands out as one of the most recognizable television personalities featured in our list.

An accomplished actress, producer, and director, Ferrera discovered her passion for acting at an early age, which set the stage for her remarkable career.

She made her feature film debut in 2002 with the acclaimed movie Real Women Have Curves.

Over the years, she's starred in both television and film projects, including Ugly Betty, End of Watch, The Dry Land, and Our Family Wedding, among others.

Ferrera's outstanding portrayal in Ugly Betty earned her numerous awards and brought her well-deserved fame and recognition.

Sônia Braga is a renowned Brazilian actress celebrated for her influential work in both film and television, particularly within American cinema. Her remarkable career has made her a significant figure in the industry.

She has earned multiple Golden Globe Award nominations for her outstanding performances in acclaimed films such as "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "Moon Over Parador." Her talent lends great depth to each of her roles.

In addition, Braga received a BAFTA Award nomination for her captivating performance in "Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands" in 1981, further cementing her status as an international star.

Anya Taylor-Joy, who proudly identifies as a white Latina, has captured international attention with her remarkable talent and presence.

Despite her youth, she has won the admiration of millions around the world, quickly rising to prominence in the entertainment industry.

The acclaimed actress has received prestigious honors, including a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award, solidifying her status as a leading talent of her generation.

Recognized by Time as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, Anya has starred in acclaimed projects such as The Queen's Gambit, Emma, The Witch, and Split, making a lasting impact on screens large and small.

Rosario Isabel Dawson, renowned for her talent and versatility, made her on-screen debut in the acclaimed mid-90s independent teen drama film, Kids. She quickly garnered attention for her undeniable presence and acting skills.

Dawson is especially recognized for her roles in popular comic-book adaptations and films such as He Got Game, Sin City, Josie and the Pussycats, Rent, Men in Black II, Clerks II, Death Proof, and Seven Pounds.

Her performance in Rent earned her the Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture. Additionally, Dawson received a Critics' Choice Movie Award nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy for her standout role in Top Five.

Jessica Marie Alba began her acting career at the young age of 13, demonstrating passion and talent early on.

She appeared in projects like Camp Nowhere and The Secret World of Alex Mack, but her breakthrough role came in the television series Dark Angel, which earned her widespread critical acclaim.

Her performance in Dark Angel even garnered her a Golden Globe nomination, solidifying her reputation as a talented actress.

Over the years, Jessica Alba has starred in major feature films such as Fantastic Four, Valentine's Day, Little Fockers, Machete, and Sin City, further establishing herself as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

Eva Longoria gained early recognition for her role as Isabella Braña on the CBS daytime soap opera, The Young and the Restless.

Her stardom soared with her standout performance on ABC's Desperate Housewives, which earned her nominations for both the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

In addition to her television success, Longoria has appeared in notable films such as The Sentinel, For Greater Glory, Over Her Dead Body, Lowriders, and Overboard, among others.

Katy Jurado, born María Cristina Estela Marcela Jurado García, began her remarkable career starring in Mexican cinema.

In the early 1950s, her talent caught the attention of Hollywood filmmakers, leading to her breakthrough in American films.

Jurado soon made her mark in notable Westerns, embracing a wide range of roles that showcased her extraordinary versatility.

As the first Latin American actress to receive an Oscar nomination for her supporting role in "Broken Lance," she blazed a trail for countless Mexican and Latin actors in Hollywood.

Michelle Rodriguez made a powerful entrance into Hollywood with her breakthrough role as a troubled boxer in the independent sports drama Girlfight. Her compelling performance earned her both the Independent Spirit Award and the Gotham Award for Best Debut Performance.

Rodriguez became a household name as one of the main stars of the Fast & Furious franchise, showcasing her talent for intense action roles. Her filmography also includes memorable appearances in S.W.A.T., Battle: Los Angeles, Avatar, and the Resident Evil series, among others.

Known for her tough, action-packed characters, Rodriguez frequently portrays roles that involve fistfights, shootouts, and martial arts, making her one of the most distinctive action actresses of her generation.

Aubrey Plaza is renowned for her striking dark brown eyes and commanding on-screen presence. Though relatively young, she has already established herself as one of the most experienced actresses featured in our list.

With over 80 acting credits, Plaza has captivated audiences with her remarkable versatility and dynamic range in both television and film roles.

She gained widespread recognition as April Ludgate in "Parks and Recreation" and delivered a standout performance in "Legion."

Plaza made her leading film debut in "Safety Not Guaranteed" and showcased her talent in numerous movies, including "Mystery Team," "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," "Happiest Season," "Black Bear," and "Ingrid Goes West."

Paz Vega is one of the brightest and most captivating Latina stars ever to grace the silver screen. Her presence and talent have made her a recognizable figure in international cinema.

She has starred in acclaimed films such as Sex and Lucia, Spanglish, All Roads Lead to Rome, Acts of Vengeance, and Rambo: Last Blood, displaying her impressive range as an actress.

Vega first appeared on screen in the Spanish television series Menudo es mi padre. She continued building her career with roles in shows like Más que amigos and Compañeros.

Her film debut came with Zapping in 1999. Since then, Paz Vega has worked in productions across Europe, Spain, France, Latin America, and beyond, establishing herself as a versatile and international performer.

Ana de Armas, the incredibly talented and charismatic actress, began her acting journey in Cuba, starring in the lead role of the 2006 romantic drama Una rosa de Francia. Her early success quickly established her as a rising star in her home country.

She has showcased her versatility by taking on diverse roles, from appearances in thrillers like Knock Knock and Dark Water to delivering a standout performance in the acclaimed film Knives Out, where her convincing portrayal captured both audiences and critics.

Ana's role in No Time to Die further elevated her profile. However, it was her remarkable transformation into Norma Jeane, famously known as Marilyn Monroe, in Blonde that truly made her an international sensation, earning headlines and critical acclaim worldwide.

Many viewers first discovered Jenna Ortega as Ellie Alves in the popular Netflix thriller, You. However, her impressive career began well before that, with numerous roles in both television and film that helped establish her as a rising star.

She has captivated audiences in projects like Jane the Virgin, Scream VI, X, The Fallout, and Disney's Stuck in the Middle, to name just a few. Of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, Ortega achieved even greater fame for her standout portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the hit Netflix series Wednesday.

Her remarkable performance in Wednesday earned her nominations at both the Golden Globe Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards, solidifying her place as one of the top Latina actresses of her generation.

Dolores del Río was arguably the first Mexican actress to have been a sensation internationally.

She had a remarkable film career in American cinema during the 1920s and the 1930s.

Considered by many to be among the most beautiful screen actors in cinema history, Dolores went on to fascinate the audience with her presence in motion pictures such as Resurrection, Evangeline, and Ramona.

Gina Rodriguez made her television debut on the hit show Law & Order.

She is known for having portrayed Jane Villanueva efficiently in The CW satirical romantic dramedy series Jane the Virgin.

For her role in the show, she even received a well-deserved Golden Globe Award in 2015.

She has been in films such as Filly Brown, Scoob!, Miss Bala, Deepwater Horizon, and Annihilation.

Stephanie Beatriz Bischoff Alvizuri, famously known as Stephanie Beatriz, is best known for playing the role of Detective Rosa Diaz in the Fox/NBC comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

She also played a decent part in the 2021 film adaptation of the musical drama In the Heights.

The actress had had a recurring role to play in the hit comedy series Modern Family, and can also be seen appearing in independent movie projects such as The Light of the Moon and Short Term 12.

This stunning Colombian and American film star was the highest-paid actress in American television from 2013 to 2020.

Sofia rose to prominence after playing a significant character in the hit ABC comedy series Modern Family. She was nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and eleven Screen Actors Guild Awards for her spectacular performance in the same.

She has also marked her presence in movies such as Chasing Papi, Four Brothers, Meet the Browns, and Madea Goes to Jail, among others.

When the term "Afro-Latinx" was gaining prominence during the 2010s, Naya Rivera was one of the few actors who was identified to be a part of the community.

The late actor had started facing the camera as a child itself.

She appeared in a number of national television commercials before her stint on television shows and in the movies.

She got the golden opportunity to play the role of Hillary Winston on the CBS sitcom The Royal Family. For her performance in the same, she ended up getting nominated for the Young Artist Award.

However, it was her portrayal of a lesbian cheerleader on the Fox television series Glee that brought her fame and acclaim.

The international sex symbol of the 1960s, Raquel Welch is undoubtedly one of the most popular actresses to make it to our list.

She first rose to prominence after having played a role in Fantastic Voyage. Soon after, she made her striking presence felt in motion pictures such as Bedazzled, Bandolero!, 100 Rifles, Myra Breckinridge, and Hannie Caulder, among others.

Welch, who has also been a part of several television variety specials, was one of those film stars whose posters used to sell the most at the peak of her career.

Bella Thorne might just be a surprising addition to most of you reading our story today.

Recipient of an Imagen Award, a Shorty Award, a Teen Choice Award, and three Young Artist Awards, the actress has admitted to getting her skin and hair darkened to look closer to her heritage.

She has been seen in films and television projects such as Blended, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip, Infamous, The DUFF, Amityville: The Awakening, Girl, and The Babysitter film series.

Madeleine Marie Stowe Mora, who is professionally known as Madeleine Stowe, is another seasoned Latina screen performer to make it to our list.

The actress was mostly seen playing roles on television before making her big-screen debut in the crime-comedy flick Stakeout in 1987.

She has appeared in well-known movies such as Revenge, Blink, Unlawful Entry, and The Last of the Mohicans, among others.

Stowe went on to win the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the independent drama film Short Cuts.

The ravishing Rachel went on to prove her acting skills by starring as María in Steven Spielberg's 2021 adaptation of West Side Story. She earned a Golden Globe for her performance in the same.

Born to a Colombian mother, the blossoming star is in her early 20s and is already tipped to be a part of several big-ticket releases in the near future.

While she will be seen portraying Snow White in Disney's live-action adaptation of the 1937 classic, we will also catch playing Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Rita Hayworth, who was born Margarita Carmen Cansino, is arguably the most popular Hispanic actress of her time to make it to our story.

She achieved unprecedented fame during the 1940s and was the favorite pin-up girl for GIs during the Second World War.

She went on to become so popular that the press had no option but to refer to her as the ultimate "Love Goddess." 

Arguably the most glamorous film star of the 1940s, Hayworth has been a part of motion pictures such as Gilda, Only Angels Have Wings, Pal Joey, Blood and Sand, and The Lady from Shanghai.

The scintillating Lupe Vélez was yet another screen performer who tried her best to pave the way for Latina actresses into mainstream cinema.

She was a popular actress, dancer, and singer during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

By the end of the 1920s, she was seen playing a role in several silent films.

She could be seen portraying significant characters in feature films such as The Gaucho, Lady of the Pavements, and Wolf Song, to name a few.

Morena Baccarin made her debut in 2001 rose to prominence after playing a role in the science fiction series, Firefly.

The actress, who continued to shine in shows such as Homeland and Gotham, has also been seen in motion pictures such as Serenity and the Deadpool franchise.

Baccarin received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2013 for her terrific performance in Homeland.

Judy Reyes, who has confessed that she always wanted to become an actor, grew up in a restricted household where her mother constantly told her that acting was for White folks.

However, the young one continued to pursue her dream and was able to accomplish it dutifully.

So far, Reyes has been seen in television and film projects such as Scrubs, Devious Maids, Claws, NYPD Blue, The Sopranos, and Little Girl Lost: The Delimar Vera Story, to name a few.

Alexa Ellesse PenaVega is one of the most experienced performers to make it to our story.

Not only has she been a part of motion pictures such as the Spy Kids film series, Follow the Stars Home, and Sleepover but she has also made an appearance on shows such as Ruby & the Rockits, ER, and Ghost Whisperer.

It is said that she performed her own stunts while shooting for the three Spy Kids feature films.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Eiza González is one of the most refreshing talents to make it to our list.

The actress first rose to prominence after having appeared on shows such as Lola, érase una vez and Sueña conmigo.

She found greater fame once she was selected to be a part of the American horror series From Dusk till Dawn: The Series.

While her charming performance in Baby Driver made her a familiar face to fans worldwide, she continued to impress by partaking in projects such as I Care a Lot and Ambulance.

Victoria Justice is a talented young performer who has already received several accolades.

Not only has she won two Young Artist Awards but she has also been nominated for three Imagen Awards, an NAACP Image Award, and three Kids Choice Awards, respectively.

She has been a part of television projects such as Zoey 101, Gilmore Girls, and Victorious, among others.

Her film credits include Fun Size, Trust, The First Time, Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List, and The Outcasts, to name a few.

Eva Mendes is an actress, businesswoman, model, and one of our top picks.

The beautiful film star kick-started her journey after featuring in movies such as Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror and Urban Legends: Final Cut during the late 1990s.

She came into her own after her terrific performance in Training Day.

Mendes was then seen in popular mainstream features such as 2 Fast 2 Furious, Hitch, Ghost Rider, and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, and the critically acclaimed The Place Beyond the Pines.

Melissa Barrera is a Mexican actress who has already made a name for herself after featuring in projects such as Siempre tuya Acapulco, Tanto amor, and the Netflix series Club de Cuervos.

The actress starred in the slasher horror feature Scream in 2022 and shot to fame after playing the lead role in the drama series Vida.

She continued to grab eyeballs by performing in titles such as In the Heights and Keep Breathing.

Cote de Pablo is a Chilean-American actor and singer who moved to the United States of America at the age of 10 to study acting.

She is known to have made an appearance in a number of television shows before she was cast to play a significant character in the series NCIS.

Cote also played a role each in The $treet and the CBS drama The Education of Max Bickford.

Sara Paxton is an actor, voice artist, and singer who happens to be half Mexican.

But, since there's a relentless stereotype regarding how a Latina is "supposed" to look, people often cease to recognize her ethnic background.

The actress rose to fame after having appeared in television and film projects such as Darcy's Wild Life, Summerland, Aquamarine, Return to Halloweentown, Sydney White, Superhero Movie, and The Innkeepers, among others.

Christian Marie Serratos is best known for playing Rosita Espinosa in AMC's hit television show The Walking Dead.

The actress is also known for having featured in projects such as Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and The Twilight Saga.

That said, she was seen portraying The Queen Of Tejano singer Selena efficiently in Netflix's Selena: The Series for a year between 2020 and 2021.

Her performance as Angela Weber in Twilight is credited with fetching her deserving critical acclaim.

Roselyn Sánchez is another multi-talented performer to make it to our piece today.

The Puerto Rican artist is a singer and songwriter who has managed to prove herself as a dancer, model, actress, producer, and writer as well.

Her television credits include projects such as Without a Trace, Devious Maids, and Fantasy Island, among others.

When it comes to cinema, she has appeared in feature films such as Rush Hour 2, The Game Plan, Act of Valor, and Boat Trip, to name a few.

Melissa Fumero is an actress and director who rose to prominence after having played the role of Amy Santiago in the FOX/NBC sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

The show had won a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.

Fumero delivered her debut performance as the main lead in the independent film Tiny Dancer in 2009.

The following year, she was seen in five episodes of Gossip Girl.

Odette Annable is a gorgeous screen performer who has been seen doing several film and television roles ever since she debuted at the dawn of the '90s.

Her television credits include shows such as House, October Road, Banshee, and Supergirl, to name a few.

She had roles to play in movies such as Reckless Behavior: Caught on Tape, The Unborn, Walk Hard, and Cloverfield, among others.

Odette is known to have been a supporter of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 United States presidential election.

Aimee Sandimés Garcia López de Ordóñez, who is famously known as Aimee Garcia, claims to be a "full-blown" Latina herself.

The cute-looking actress has been a part of popular television shows such as Trauma, George Lopez, Vegas, Dexter, Lucifer, and All About the Andersons, to name a few.

She has also been a part of motion pictures such as Spanglish, RoboCop, Major Movie Star, and D-War, among others.

Born in Medellín, Colombia, in 1998, Isabella Gomez is perhaps best known for starring in One Day at a Time. However, if you have seen the shows Modern Family or Matador, you will certainly be able to recognize her.

The actress, who started acting in commercials at the young age of five, was signed to play the role of Alicia Gomez in 2021's sitcom Head of the Class.

The National Hispanic Media Coalition awarded her an Impact Award for her amazing performance in the One Day at a Time reboot on Netflix in 2020.

In 2015, she moved to Los Angeles along with her family to be fully able to concentrate on her acting projects.

This raven-haired beauty made her screen debut on the television show All My Children in the mid-1990s. She is better known for her character projection in the blockbuster Fast & Furious series of motion pictures.

However, she has also made a name for herself by appearing in a show like As the World Turns, for which she received a nomination for the Outstanding Teen Performer at the Soap Opera Digest Award in 1997.

That said, her debut feature film role was in Robert Rodriguez's horror science fiction project, The Faculty.

The charming Camilla Belle featured in a number of commercials for popular brands at the beginning of her career.

The actress also happens to be a film director and producer.

Her most significant role as a mainstream performer has got to be the one that she played in the Roland Emmerich-directed big-budget drama, 10,000 BC.

The film hit the screens in 2008 and ended up grossing over $269 million at the global box office.

Maria Montez is also one of the few actresses who is credited with carving a path for aspiring Latina actresses in mainstream cinema.

Known as the "Queen Of Technicolor", the actress played a ton of seductive roles in a series of filmed-in-Technicolor costume adventure films during the 1940s.

She was seen wearing fancy costumes and sparkling jewelry in most of the motion pictures that she was a part of.

It is not surprising then that she was also known to be a self-promoter of sorts.

This Cuban-American actress started modeling at the age of 15. Soon after, she decided to make her transition to acting.

One of her first film roles was in the 2008 thriller Death Race. However, between 2003 and 2011, Natalie was seen in quite a few music videos.

When it comes to TV shows, the actress can be seen in Kingdom, Detroit 1-8-7, CSI: NY, The I-Land, and Ordinary Joe, to name a few.

She has also been a part of film projects such as End of Watch, Reminiscence, Message from the King, and The Land.